By JESSE GRAHAM
YARRA Junction’s Upper Yarra Museum has been put on the path for redevelopment, after council endorsed a master plan for the site’s future.
The Yarra Junction Community and Cultural Precinct Master Plan was endorsed unanimously by the Yarra Ranges Council at its 26 November meeting.
The master plan was developed in partnership with the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society (UYVHS) and Hansen Partnership and explores improvements to the site around the historical museum and the Yarra Centre.
Public consultation around the master plan was held, with over 50 responses overall to the plan – council reported that the feedback was positive and indicated strong support for the development.
The plan proposes and prioritises developments to the site and its links with the town and the Rail Trail over the coming years.
Some of the proposals in the plan include the restoration and reinstatement of buildings on the site, which include the Goods Shed and the Porters Cottage; upgrades to the area for children’s play, events and museum displays; introduction of a café and gathering space in the museum precinct and working with the museum to reduce the size of the displayed collection by rotating pieces on display.
UYVHS president Tom O’Meara spoke in support of the plan at the council meeting, and said it would help to make the Upper Yarra area’s history more accessible for all ages.
“It will help us to increase our profile and the development of the precinct as a community hub,” he said.
O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child said the development of the Upper Yarra Museum site in recent years had been amazing and that the master plan would only help that development.
“It’s a wonderful document that will take us into the future with this site,” he said.
“It complements the Rail Trail, which is one of the best assets we’ve got, and to have it complemented with this master plan and with this site, the only way we can go is forward.”
To view the full master plan, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
